OSHA Delays Electronic Recordkeeping Filing Deadline

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), whose rule requiring the posting of injury information was scheduled to take effect July 1, announced yesterday that the electronic recordkeeping filing deadline will be postponed for an undetermined period of time.

“OSHA is not accepting electronic submissions of injury and illness logs at this time, and intends to propose extending the July 1, 2017 date by which certain employers are required to submit the information from their completed 2016 Form 300A electronically. Updates will be posted to this webpage when they are available.”

No further information regarding the new rules or delay has been revealed. Due to the recent installment of Secretary of Labor R. Alexander Acosta, and the absence of a new OSHA Director or deputies, there is no indication when a new deadline will be set (if at all).

Two federal court lawsuits are already pending challenging the new rule. Meanwhile, several unions and worker advocacy groups have petitioned the court to step in and defend the rule.